Record-breaking bauma descends upon Munich

Mary C. Gannon • Editor

More than 3,500 exhibitors from 55 countries will descend upon Messe München for bauma 2019 in April, with almost 100 more exhibitors than in 2016. Set for April 8to 14, the event is a reflection on a strong construction market. In addition, show organizers haveadded new elements, including bauma PLUS which allows even more companies to present theirproducts and services; and virtual reality, which will bring the construction site into the tradefair hall. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every three years, with more than600,000 expected this year.

“The industry is booming, which is also reflected in the growth of bauma. We’ve taken account of the rise in demand and expanded our site in eastern Munich to 614,000 m 2 , 9,000 m 2 more than 2016,” said Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München.

The willingness to invest in the construction machinery industry is on a very high level globally and continues to be regarded cautiously optimistic in the coming years. This is one of the findings of the “bauma Industry Barometer,” a representative study that polled approximately 10,000 industry experts over a period of two months (June-August 2018). 44% of the respondents are planning to increase the investment volume for their company in the future.

“The majority of the respondents assume that investments will remain at a high level. This illustrates the extraordinarily positive mood with regard to the economic development of the construction machinery industry. But it also shows that an aboveaverage willingness to invest is necessary in order to remain competitive in the long term,” Dittrich, said.

New and expanded exhibits

For the first time, visitors to Hall B0 will be able to experience the industry virtually — thanks to virtual and augmented reality. This is made possible through a combination of images, sound, or sensor feedback, such as wind. “The booths have size limits, the digital area is limitless. With new virtual offerings, we’re bringing the construction site into the trade fair and expanding our digital portfolio,” said project manager Mareile Kästner.

Already today, construction machines can be equipped with a wide range of sensors and communication interfaces. The collected data can be used, for example, to monitor work performance, consumption and location, define predictive maintenance intervals or determine operating costs. Entire vehicle fleets can be managed by telematics. Moreover, digital tools help to automate workflows.

“Many companies in the construction industry have already recognized the relevance of digitization, but are still investing with caution. From a trade fair point of view, my appeal is: Dare to drive more digitization! To remain fit for the future, we must permanently incorporate digital processes and systems in our events and organization. I don’t think that is any different for the companies in the construction machinery industry,” Dittrich said.

Another new feature are the bauma Plus models that bring more exhibitors to the fair. With bauma Plus Onsite exhibitors can present their company on a compact area. bauma PLUS MOVE is a flexible co-working area where visitors can meet exhibitors.

Expanded to 18 halls, the event will include five halls for component manufacturers, with more than 150 fluid power manufacturers on site. Key manufacturers include: ARGO-HYTOS GmbH, Axiomatic, Bondioli & Pavesi, Bosch Rexroth, Bucher Hydraulics, Carlisle Brake & Friction, Casappa, Concentric, Continental AG, DANA Inc., Danfoss Power Solutions, Eaton, Gefran, Hansa- Flex, HAWE, HBC-Radiomatic, HED Inc., HUSCO International, Hydac, Hydraforce Hydraulics, Hydraulik Nord Fluidtechnik, Hydreco Hydraulics, Linde Hydraulics, Lisk Ireland, Magnet-Schultz, Marzocchi Pompe, MTS Sensor Technologies, Parker Hannifin, Roquet Hydraulics, Rotary Power, SAI Hydraulic Motors, SIKO, Sun Hydraulic, Thomas Magnete, Walvoil, Wandfluh, and Weber Hydraulik, and more.

In addition, the largest sector construction machines and attachments area is expanded from four to five halls as well as by an additional area outdoors, directly adjacent to the hall complex.

Another key stat from the “bauma Industry Barometer” indicated that more than half of the respondents (58%) regard the shortage of skilled workers as the greatest challenge for the industry. To combat this, bauma organizers have made its “Think Big!” exhibit larger. Previously located in Hall B0, the special “Think Big!” exhibit will move to the ICM – International Congress Center Munich to show students career opportunities in the construction and building material machine industries.

Learn from the experts at the bauma Forum

Finally, the bauma Forum is where exhibitors, trade associations and partners present the latest product developments, trends and market analyses in presentations, press conferences and/or panel discussions.

The bauma Forum is embedded directly into the fair’s activities in Hall C2. Forum events are free of charge for visitors attending bauma. Topics include additive manufacturing in construction, digitization, updates on research and innovations, highlights from various markets and countries, and more. FPW

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